In the Midwest.

State May Cash Out On Casinos

July 09, 1996|By Susanne Fowler.

MADISON, WISCONSIN — The state will not renew its gaming compacts with 11 Wisconsin Indian tribes unless tribal leaders bring something to the table, Gov. Tommy Thompson said Monday. "There's no sense to renew and lose money on it," said Thompson.

The governor, who met May 30 in Rhinelander with tribal leaders, said he wants 20 things from the tribes, including more money for the state. He declined to say how much and did not identify other areas of concern.

The coalition--which includes the Oneida, Menominee, Stockbridge, Potawatomi and Ho Chunk tribes and the six bands of the Lake Superior Chippewa--declined to comment. The tribes operate 17 casinos in Wisconsin under seven-year gaming compacts up for renewal in 1998 and 1999.